Google could broaden its line of Nexus devices beyond smartphones and tablets in 2016. CCS Insight predicts that Google will launch a dedicated fitness tracker called the Google Nexus Band sometime next year.
In 2016, Google develops a lightweight version of Android Wear to offer low-cost fitness bands @george_ccs #ccspredicts
— CCS Insight (@CCSInsight) November 18, 2015
With fitness tracker and other basic wearable sales far outstripping those of smartwatches and other more expensive wearables, the move would certainly make sense. It would allow Google to get Android Wear on that many more wrists.
While competition in this space is already fierce, the report explains that the move is necessary as “Google cannot afford to miss out on the data generated by millions of fitness bands to support its knowledge of Google users, to increase their value to advertising sales, and to establish a firmer footing for the Google Fit initiative.”
Little is known about the Google Nexus Band so far. It is expected to be powered by a new slimmed down version of Android Wear. It would presumably work with Google Fit, Google’s own fitness dashboard.
CCS Insight sees a very rosy future for wearables in general. Medical wearables will become more prevalent, helping patients and doctors track medication usage and even make adjustments to dosage based on data collected. Fitbit,which currently dominates the wearables space, is also expected to see sales of its devices cross the 100 million mark by 2017.
As for smartwatches, mobile payments will become their “principal use” by 2017.
Would you be interested in picking up a Google Nexus Band? Let us know below.
Sources : CCS Insight // Wareable